Ying Yu Jade
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Yesterday I went to the Asian community for shopping, today I'm ready to go shopping in China again! So time to clear out the inventory and raise some cash to buy more jade. Will probably go the end of March, early April. In anticipation, I took some of the regular YYJ inventory and marked them to clearance prices, and added some new jade bangles from the inventory at clearance prices. I hope you enjoy shopping, they are all really nice. Clearance jade, click here. December 30
Today I went to the Chinese medicine shop where I buy some of the herbal remedies and teas for Calm Spirit web site. It's very traditional, with an acupuncture doctor and Chinese medicine pharmacy where you can get your prescription made up with the exact herbs you need. I usually pile all my purchases on the counter and do some minimal bargaining with the owner, but today there was a young female clerk who just gave me a dirty look. Everything changes! But I did get a fresh supply of gynostemma cholesterol reducing tea and Bojenmi fat reducing tea, which I myself will start using to deal with excess eating during these holidays. I have a family history of high cholesterol, and using these teas has really lowered my cholesterol and helped get rid of some of the holiday fattiness. Thee were two Asian women in the store who asked if I was going to make gift baskets for my friends with all the tea, which they thought would be a great idea! It's a 90 minute drive each way, the traffic is always terrible, so we treated ourselves to lunch at a Thai-Vietnamese restaurant for bowls of pho, delicious and healthy, too. After buying that tea, I would have felt guilty eating at a Chinese buffet. Two Asian ladies having lunch together were expensively dressed and wearing jade bangles, so of course I checked them out, and I could see at a distance they were badly color treated. A well color enhanced jade is beautiful and difficult to detect the enhancement, but the old style of dying really is obvious, at least to me it is. The ladies were of the generation that likes that kind of jade color, I enjoyed getting a peek at their jade bangles. It's interesting how the Asian areas all have different ideas of what makes "the perfect jade bangle". Even in China, ladies in the north prefer different coloring of jade than do the women in the south. When people ask me what kind of jade is "best", it really is a matter of personal preference. What appeals to you is the kind of jade that is best for you. December 29
Those of you who made "wish lists" for your dear ones to order from have been checking in, saying how pleased they were with their gifts, and getting exactly what they want and their correct size. Sure made shopping easier for some of our guys! But if you didn't get a jade piece you wish you received, you can get it now with $25 off any jade bangle $250+ with coupon code WISH25, or make an offer on a jade bangle $500+. You can use this form to make an offer click here. These offers expire on New Year's Eve, so get your dream jade now. December 28
Since Thanksgiving, every day my email box has been filled with "sales" emails. Sometimes the same company would send me 3 or 4 sale emails in one day. Instead of doing what they hoped to accomplish, I was turned off about purchasing from them, and in fact I think because of the over-commercialization of Christmas this year I actually bought fewer things online and in stores. So I was sensitive to not sending out "sale" emails to Ying Yu Jade customers. However, I received emails from readers asking "where are the YYJ sales", so I will make some. Today will be free shipping to USA destinations with Paypal payment for any jewelry item, including jade bangle bracelets, pendants, necklaces. And I'll make an "auction" item this weekend and some next week. Let me know what you would like to see. You are the customer, and I would like your feedback. December 26.
I wish you all a very merry Christmas, a day filled with peace and joy. I hope you spend the day with family, friends. If Christmas is a difficult day for you, reach out to someone, do an act of kindness for another person and you will both have a happier Christmas. Best blessing to you. December 25
The jade bangle I listed today, BB1093, is another interesting jade bangle with lots of color detail, and it's one of the most highly polished jade bangles I have in inventory. It's old mine "lao pit" jade, fine grained and high chime, and priced affordably. I often receive emails from first time YYJ buyers who are so pleased with their jade, especially customers who have purchased color treated jade, or fake jade previously, and now can see the difference and get to know genuine jade and jadeite. So I do list some jade bangles that could retail at higher prices, in a lower price range so there's something in everyone's budget. Don't let the low price of jade bangles, like BB1093, put you off because it's a fine "A" quality that I'm bargain pricing. December 23
I hope you are enjoying getting ready for Christmas, the holidays. It's quite cold here in Florida, but not as cold as it is north! I hope it's a "Christmasy" cold and snow, if you happen to live in one of the cold areas. I listed new jade bangle bracelets today, and even in our 60 degree weather, they feel icy cold. When I lived in Ohio, I liked to play with my jade bangle in the cold, move it away from my wrist and feel it immediately become icy cold. I would turn my wrist slowly up and down to move it back and forth to cool and then get warm. I've always "played" with my jade. That's why I like a jade bangle that has a lot of variety of jade stone color and pattern in it, because it's endlessly interesting to look at, and it always looks slightly different. And of course playing with the temperature. One of the newly listed jade bangles, BB1095, has so much interest that I couldn't decide which side of it to photograph. It's a fun jade. The carved jade bangles are also interesting, because it seems like there's always something new to find in the carving pattern, and you can admire how the carver used the coloring to enhance the carving. So have fun playing with your jade! It sure helps pass the time when you're in a boring, tedious situation. December 22
I waited too long to make plans for a short trip for my husband and on Christmas day. This is also the first year I didn't get around to making Christmas cookies. But I was organized enough to get all my gifts shipped to family so they have already arrived. If you waited until the last minute to buy a special jade gift for someone, or yourself, for Christmas, you can order through Monday and get a free upgrade shipping to USPS Express mail if your order is for jewelry $125+. Express mail must be in Tuesdays mail to arrive by Wednesday, and although the post office won't guarantee it, I do guarantee I will get it mailed and do my best to help the post office meet its commitments. If your order is less than $125, there is an Express mail option you can purchase when you check out. There's still time to get a precious jade gift delivered in time for Christmas! December 21
The Dynasty Collection is receiving a lot of attention. I have used a jade museum reference book to figure out what the carving means, in English. Again, I continue to be impressed at the skill of the carver, the research of the designer to find these ancient patterns. Today I received an enquiry from a customer asking how he could know that the jade on YYJ and JBB was "real jade". I can understand that people are still being sold fake jade, but if you buy on ebay, that's the risk you take. I ordered some samples from a seller that looked really good in the photo, but they were not real jade when I got them. In fact, one time I ordered jade bangles after getting some nice samples, and was shipped not jade, but fashion jewelry! So I take more risks, buying from China, sending payment by wire transfer in advance. I hope that the information on this web site, the blog, videos, and good photos give you confidence that we offer genuine, high quality jade and jadeite, and you can order with confidence. December 17
I have the Dynasty Collection photographed and am working to get them listed. They are much prettier than the photos show because the dark color and high polish reflect the light. I have enjoyed touching and feeling the beautiful carving. The Preview Price continue through Wednesday, then the prices will be $750. The first one that sold was the "goddess" carved jade bangle, which had carving I had never seen before, very "yin" and beautiful nude goddess. I ordered only 10 to try, and if you like them, will order more next spring. I hope to meet with the carver and seller during my next China trip. He told me that they look at jade and jewelry from all over the world, and then design and carve to the customers requests. I asked him to make 10 for me, variety of sizes, as he is the carving expert, and I certainly received excellent jade bangles. In jade business, it's so important to trust your seller, whether it's me trusting my supplier, or you trusting YYJ and JBB, because then you can know that whatever you purchase, it will be great quality and beautiful. I have some customers who ask me to choose for them when they are ready for a new bangle, and I consider it an honor that they trust I will choose well for them. Of course, I sell only what I would wear, so you know it's gotta be good! December 16
It's so exciting for me when I can get a new item, original, and made just for Ying Yu Jade, and these carved jade bangle bracelets are a brand new item, never available to USA until now. I have been working with a jade carver to design and carve jade bangles in the old Chinese Dynasty styles, the way they were carved hundreds of years ago. The jade is natural color, deep green almost black jade, and of course all natural color. They arrived from China today, there are only a few to test market, and they are being photographed and added to the web site. The price will be on the high end, but they are collectors items that are not only fabulous to wear, but also a a wonderful jade carving, and they are a good investment. So let me know how you like this preview. December 15
I've been selling a lot of tea on Calm Spirit web site, and doing the same thing I do with YYJ inventory, which is sampling too much of the merchandise! That's what happens when you sell only items you use yourself. This time it's the tea. I want to fit into two special holiday outfits, so starting in November whenever I needed a snack, I made a small pot of tea and drank tea instead. I ate meals as I usually do, but instead of desserts and snacks, drank tea from the sampler pack. The cute little tins are easy to put in my handbag, so when I'm out I can get a cup of hot water and sprinkle in loose leaves (which sink to the bottom when it's ready, so it's not like filtering tea leaves with the teeth!). There's something about Chinese tea that really stops hunger cravings. I was thrilled that my short silk skirt fit like a dream AND I was comfortable in it, and even after the buffet pig out, I still hadn't gained any weight. There's several parties and eating events between now and New Year's Eve and I want my new strapless dress to look good, so more tea for me. Also, wearing your jade bangle and bumping it against the points on your wrist reduces food craving that come from stress. Jade and tea: a combination for good health and much happiness. December 14
A reader asks:
I have a jade bangle bracelet that is cracked from inside to outside.
Can it be repaired, or am I not to trust local jewelers who say they can
repair it?
The only way to truly repair a crack is to use a filler, and unless
a jeweler is a jade crafter, they won't know how to repair it without
leaving an odd color resin filler visible. Jade bangles can also be halved
and gold ends and a clasp put on. A friend who makes jewelry used superglu
on a cracked jade bangle, then wire wrapped the cracked area and it looks
pretty good, but it also of course has the addition of a metal (see
the October blog archives for a photo).
It's always upsetting when a jade bangle cracks. However, you can wear
cracked jade bangles, and they might never break. When I travel, I often
wear a cracked jade bangle as I meet women who are thrilled to see real
jade and have sold these bangles off my wrist. To be philosophical, jade
is like life, impermanent, and nothing lasts forever. So enjoy your jade
as long as you can. December 11
Today I helped a customer choose an oval jadeite bangle. Oval shape often means you can wear a smaller, closer fitting bangle if you have a wide and narrow wrist. To determine if an oval jade bangle will fit you, add both the dimensions and divide by 2. For example, an oval bangle like BB741 is 53x49mm, so both numbers add up to 102, divide by 2, the size is like a 51mm. But if you wear a 52mm you can probably wear it because there's not that much difference between the two numbers. Oval jade bangle bracelets are rare, they are more expensive to carve because the carver has to carve them all by hand, and they use more jade. So they are mostly available in the smaller sizes, and women who wear smaller sizes often prefer a more petite bangle for proportion and comfort. If you wear a small size jade bangle, and you can find an oval your size, get it while you can because they are really comfortable, and very rare to find. December 10
A question I am often asked is if it's OK to wear your jade bangle or pendant when you take a shower. Some readers tell me that they read jade information on web sites that says jade should be removed before bathing. Obviously written by someone who doesn't know much about jade. Jade loves water, and the reputable sellers in the jade market keep water bowls in their jade cases to keep the moisture jade loves. When you wear your jade while you bath, it not only gets clean but also gets the moisture that makes it prettier. And when you wear your jade, you should wear it all the time, not take it off unless you change your jade piece for energy needs, because your jade and body exchange qi, and the jade keeps your body well, while your body keeps the jade beautiful. So you leave it on all the time. There is a great deal of incorrect information about jade on the internet. You have to decide which jade information you trust. Ying Yu Jade has been in business for 9 years, we blog, make videos, and have a wealth of information that you can trust. And always ask if you have questions. December 9
A reader asked me to write about China's 4 famous jades. Some people who don't have experience with jade truly believe that if it's not Burmese jadeite, it's not jade. But Chinese jade has been "famous" for centuries, long before jadeite was introduced to China. Probably the most cherished Chinese jade is nephrite, which is rare and not much available now. Most nephrite you see in the market is from other parts of the world and shipped to China for carving, then returned to the owner. White nephrite was used on the Olympic Gold medal this year. Yunnan jade is from the south of China, near Burma/Myanmar, so it is more fine grained and the colors are mostly green, white, with some "hong" Chinese red and subtle coloring. I have seen this being sold as jadeite, but it's not. Xinjiang is an autonomous region in China, with a Muslim population, and unfortunately there is a lot of political unrest, so it's difficult to get the wonderful, fine quality jade of that region. The prized Xinjiang jade is the white "mutton fat" jade, very rare, slightly yellow hued and "oily". There is also a variety of coloring. Sometimes it is called Hoton jade, an area where some of the best jade in Xinjiang is mined. And my favorite Chinese jade is from Xiuyan, sometimes called Xiu jade. It's very hard and fine grained, polishes well and makes beautiful jade bangles, pendants as well as carvings. It is the most famous of the Chinese jades, found only in the northeast provinces in China, and referred to as "China's National Jade". I have been to the jade mines, the jade carvers shops, the jade markets, and a fabulous national jade museum that is like a palace. Xiuyan jade is the first kind of jade I sold, and started selling it on ebay in 2001. All of my Chinese health tools the rollers, ben wa balls, eggs for women, combs. gua sha tools, are made from this jade. The color ranges from varied shades of green to deep rich colors as you see in the old river jade bangles. All colors come from the minerals in the earth, and are natural. Chinese jade is rarely color treated, while it is very common to color treat jadeite because most jadeite is not very pretty, whitish/gray with lots of black spots, so the jadeite is often bleached with acid and color added to make it "pretty". But Chinese jade is naturally pretty. And the energy is wonderful. Jade other than jadeite is sometimes called other names, and that's when you need to be careful because those other names are also names for fake jades. I buy only natural, good energy jade, because if I'm going to have it in my home, I'm going to have only good energy, which will bring me happiness, good health, and luck. December 8
A busy few days, no time to blog. Saturday was our community's annual craft show, and I make necklaces with jade pendants and beads to sell. I have some "regulars" who look forward to seeing what's new, and to have the opportunity to buy real jade, a unique one of a kind necklace, often with matching earrings. I made quite a few this year, intending to put what I didn't sell on the web site, but I sold most of them. I don't usually make the necklaces that are on the web site, most of those are made in China by the jade carver's family, but I enjoy making a few for the creativity. "Big" jewelry is popular this year, and jade pendants are really in style. I'll try to get them photographed and on the web site this week, for one of kind gifts (or something special for yourself!) December 7
This time of year I receive emails mostly from men who want to purchase a special jade piece for their special woman. They know she loves jade, but has no idea what to get, and agonize over what size jade bangle, what color, and on it goes. Make it easy for that wonderful person who wants to buy you a special gift by creating a "wish list" . Add your favorite jade in a variety of price ranges, then share your email log in address with the person who wants to buy for you, and be surprised! Your wish list can be found by anyone who has your email address, but your account information is secure and private, only your wish list can be viewed. AND there's a $10 coupon for purchases of $85+ good until Sunday. So get your wish for the holidays, make a wish list to share now. December 4
A reader writes:
" I had been researching for the meaning of the words Dao and Tai
chi. Is is your connection with heavenly beings, spirituality,what is
your own translation?"
My response: The Dao/Tao is a set of Chinese philosophical/spiritual
belief system. Basically, Daoism is "living in harmony with nature".
They yin yang symbol depicts the balance, so in describing energy as Dao,
is refers to balancing. Taichi, qigong, Chinese medicine, acupuncture
all come from Daoism. One of the methods I use to test jade is an ancient
practice of using the body's acupuncture points to check the energy. People
often wear jade as "medicine" to balance their body qi, and
by providing an energetic description as well as a physical description,
a person can get the energy they need. I have found that people are attracted
to jade that has the energy that helps them thrive. When the eye connects
to the brain, if you feel a strong attraction to a piece of jade, then
you know it has the right kind of energy for you. Todays
Daily Special has good Dao balance, a peaceful yin light color with
some "yang" butterfly pattern for energy and warmth to the lightness.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have questions or comments.
December 3
Ying Yu Jade charges shipping fees that cover not only the actual cost of postage, but also the charges for delivery confirmation on all shipments, and insurance, as well as signature confirmation for most orders $100+. Unfortunately because of carelessness by the carriers, parcels are frequently delivered to the incorrect address. Just today I received a large parcel that should have been delivered to a neighbor. By using signature confirmation, the carrier must get a signature, and the chances of you receiving your package are much higher. Items $400+ are often shipped by UPS which are higher shipping fees than USPS. And you DO want you jade items carefully packed and shipped so it arrives in perfect condition, and so that it DOES arrive. Yes, our shipping prices are higher but the precious jade you order requires special shipping and handling. If you plan to order for the holidays, I highly recommend ordering early, now, as the mail service gets worse as the holidays get closer. Please let me know if you have concerns or comments about this. December 2
Watch for really special Holiday Daily Specials this month. Cyber Monday Specials have been changing throughout the day, so when you see a special you really like, "get it or regret it"!
The
Calm Spirit / Ying Yu Jade complete
December newsletter is available online now, click here. This month
features Chinese medicine wellness information for December regarding
balance of body, mind and spirit. There is information about what kind
of jade to wear this month if you wear jade for your health, and more.
December 1
